Archives: concrete

Are Cracks In Concrete Foundations Bad?

By Todd Fratzel on Foundations

Concrete Cracks I often get asked about cracks in concrete foundations. Many home owners are nervous when they see cracks in concrete and wonder if they are bad or dangerous. While it’s a natural reaction to be concerned when you see something cracked the reality is that 95% of cracks in concrete are harmless and…

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Porch and Deck Footing Types

By Todd Fratzel on Decks & Porches, Foundations

Spring is quickly approaching and many of you are dreaming about a new deck or porch. Decks can be a fun DIY project if you take your time and understand the basics. The basics start with a good foundation so this article will show you several alternatives to porch and deck footings. Porch and Deck…

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How To Grout Kitchen Backsplash Tiles

By Todd Fratzel on Kitchens

Grouting Kitchen Backsplash Tiles As we continue to document the Kitchen Backsplash project that we’re doing this month we wanted to spend this article showing you how to grout the joints between the tiles on a backsplash. If you’re just finding this article now you can read our previous articles on how to tile a…

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Asphalt Driveways

By Todd Fratzel on Driveways

Long Lasting Asphalt Driveways Here in the northeast asphalt driveways are the standard without exception. Asphalt driveways can provide a long term, reliable driving / parking surface and increase your homes value. However, not all driveways are created equal so this article will point out what you need to be aware of in order to…

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Powder Actuated Fastener Review – Duo-Fast DF-27

By Todd Fratzel on Power Tools, Product Reviews

Powder Fastening System – Duo-Fast Construction DF-27 Duo-Fast Construction is offering a powder actuated fastening system for attaching wood and steel to concrete and masonry. Almost every type of building construction (residential or commercial) requires fasteners capable of penetrating concrete. So when the folks at Duo-Fast Construction asked us to test their new DF-27, .27…

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Basement Flooring Options | Finished Basements

By Todd Fratzel on Basements, Flooring

Finished Basement Flooring Finished basements are very popular today for a good reason. Properly finished basements can significantly increase the amount of living space in your home without the need for an addition. The key is the proper selection of techniques and materials to ensure a mold free, dry, healthy space for you and your…

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How To Insulate A Concrete Floor

By Todd Fratzel on Basements, Foundations, Insulation

Insulating Concrete Floors If you live in a cold climate then you’re no stranger to cold concrete floors in the winter. If you’re planning on finishing a basement or portion of your home that has a concrete floor then it may be a good idea to insulate it before installing basement flooring. Concrete floors are…

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How To Repair Hairline Cracks in Tile Grout Lines

By Todd Fratzel on Flooring

How To Repair Cracked Grout Anyone that’s installed ceramic tile knows that after time you may find narrow cracks in the grout lines. Typically this happens where two perpendicular faces come together. For example, where a tiled wall meets a tiled counter top or floor.We have this problem in or master bathroom in a few…

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